The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 188
The curiosity about Karina, who was otherwise an enigma, was immense.
Even those who knew nothing about her status or lineage were friendly towards her, undoubtedly influenced by Hedonia’s softened demeanor.
Hedonia, who used to wake up at dawn to immerse himself in work, now secluded himself in the bedroom as soon as Karina arrived.
“I can’t get over how good they are together.”
A maid who helped Karina with her bath blushed as she murmured. She didn’t elaborate to protect Karina’s privacy, but the implication was clear.
“I will always welcome Lady Karina.”
A servant who worked tirelessly from morning to night attending to Hedonia clenched his fist and declared.
“I feel the same. She appreciates the food I prepare so much. It’s the first time I’ve felt the joy of cooking in this mansion!”
The chef, who was sitting next to them, enjoying his soup, also shouted out.
Hedonia never complained about the food, but his lack of reaction to the carefully prepared dishes was enough to make the chef feel disheartened.
However, since Karina’s arrival, the atmosphere during meals has become much more pleasant. Karina even conveyed her compliments about the food to him.
It wasn’t just the high salary that mattered anymore; the sense of fulfillment was also important. The chef’s satisfaction was at an all-time high.
“She’s even a Guide. An indispensable presence for Espers!”
Everyone nodded vigorously in agreement.
With Hedonia’s unwavering support and effort, the importance of Guides had become widely recognized.
It was now well known that they were crucial to Espers and just as essential for the protection of the Empire.
The fact that Guides didn’t have any powers other than guiding and often risked their lives made people empathize more with them than with Espers.
The improved perception of Guides over Espers was inevitable.
The escalating conflicts, where enraged Espers attacked commoners, had driven a deeper wedge between people and Espers.
“But, by the way… it’s been a long time since Lord Hedonia called all of us together, right?”
“Indeed. I wonder what it’s about.”
As soon as Karina went out, Hedonia gathered everyone. The rare assembly made everyone nervous.
They knew well that Hedonia wouldn’t summon them without a significant reason.
The fervent meal filled with discussions about Karina and Hedonia came to an end, and all the mansion’s employees gathered together.
Sitting before them, Hedonia had his cravat tied tightly up to his neck and gazed ahead with a stern expression. His narrowed golden eyes looked fierce enough to melt anyone who met his gaze.
“There is someone among you who has been colluding with the Emperor,”
Hedonia’s purpose was straightforward.
“It’s one thing for the fact that Karina is a Guide to be known within the mansion. But someone has taken that information outside.”
He understood that it would be impossible to keep Karina’s identity as a Guide a secret forever, and he knew she intended to return to her guiding duties.
However, any information about Karina should not have leaked outside.
“The betrayal is as great as the trust I placed in you.”
He had personally selected his staff, firing all those who had been manipulated by Robert Apharantes.
This was a fresh start for the Apharantes family. Naturally, even those who had distanced themselves from Robert returned to the family.
Hedonia guaranteed a high quality of life and excellent pay for his employees.
However, he was strict about adhering to the contracts.
One of the clauses was to not take any matters of the mansion outside.
It didn’t matter who was asking or what they demanded.
“I’ll need to speak with each one of you individually.”
With Karina out, it was the perfect timing. He had even postponed his visit to the palace for this day.
As Hedonia’s golden eyes gleamed, the staff shuddered in fear.
Everyone knew how relentless Hedonia could be when he had a goal. At this moment, there was no mercy in him.
* * *
‘This is my first time in the royal palace.’
The road leading into the palace was pristine, with an air of majestic beauty. Many buildings had rounded domes, and the pure white structures sparkled like jewels under the bright sunlight.
The aesthetic was distinctly different from Hedonia’s estate.
As I entered, a swarm of attendants greeted me warmly.
“This way, please.”
I was led through a long corridor until I faced the Emperor, who was seated on his throne.
“You’ve arrived,”
he said arrogantly, resting his chin on his hand. His demeanor was entirely different from when he had promptly responded to my letter.
‘But actions reveal true intentions more than attitudes.’
I wasn’t fooled by his facade. The Emperor’s current demeanor was strikingly similar to when I first met Robert Apharantes.
“They say you are a Guide.”
